President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. He declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will resume official duties from Thursday, September 18, 2025.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Statement
“My fellow countrymen, and especially the good people of Rivers State,” President Tinubu began, recalling that he declared the state of emergency on March 18, 2025. He explained that Rivers State had experienced a complete paralysis of governance, as the Governor and State House of Assembly could not work together. This deadlock prevented the passage of the Appropriation Bill, denying the Governor the funds needed to run the state. Critical state assets, including oil pipelines, faced vandalism, and the House of Assembly split into opposing factions: four members supported the Governor, while 27 members aligned with the Speaker.
President Tinubu highlighted that the Supreme Court confirmed the governance impasse, noting that Rivers State effectively lacked a functioning government. Despite interventions from well-meaning Nigerians, neither side compromised, which threatened the state’s peace and development.
Faced with this situation, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, suspending the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the elected members of the State House of Assembly for six months. The suspension aimed to restore order and allow the state to resume proper governance.
The President thanked the National Assembly for evaluating the emergency declaration and promptly approving it, in accordance with the Constitution. He also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and the people of Rivers State for their support during the emergency period.
Acknowledging dissenting voices, President Tinubu noted that over 40 cases challenged the declaration in courts across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa. He emphasized that the Constitution empowers the President to declare a state of emergency to address a total or threatened breakdown of public order and safety. The Supreme Court’s rulings on disputes between the executive and legislative branches demonstrated that Rivers State had reached such a critical point.
“As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I know that harmony between the executive and legislature underpins effective government at both state and national levels,” the President stated. He stressed that citizens expect the benefits of democracy, which become unattainable amid violence, political manipulation, and unrest.
President Tinubu expressed optimism, noting that intelligence reports indicate a new spirit of understanding, enthusiasm, and readiness among Rivers State stakeholders to return to democratic governance. He said this progress justified ending the state of emergency after the initial six-month period.
“I therefore declare that the emergency in Rivers State ends at midnight today. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule will resume their official duties from September 18, 2025,” he announced.
The President concluded by reminding all state governors and Houses of Assembly that peace, order, and good governance remain essential to delivering the dividends of democracy. He urged leaders to uphold these principles at all times.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja
September 17, 2025
